Step 1: Become comfortable with your body shape and find the correct size.
I know that this can seem a little daunting for some dancers but accepting your body as the beautiful, flawless and amazing thing that it is will make finding a leotard one million times easier. When looking at sizes, don’t be afraid if you size up or down. Our bodies change all the time and wearing the wrong size can quite possibly make you feel worse than better.
Step 2: Figure out the cut and style of leotard that best compliments you.
Now it’s time to figure out how you would like the leotard to compliment your body. If you like the idea of legs for days, you may want to go for a higher cut leotard and if you have broader shoulders, you may want to go for a more dramatic neckline instead of a thin strapped one. When shopping, take some time to see which leotards feel the most comfortable and you feel the most confident in. Never be afraid to ask for help in seeing which leotards would suit you.
Step 3: Find your perfect colour.
The best part! There are so many colors and patterns to choose from so find one that makes you feel good! Just make sure to check with your teachers to specify whether or not your studio has a specific dress code.
Step 4: Work it girl!
Now that you’ve found your perfect leotard, go show the world how fabulous you are! Just remember that you shouldn’t really have to think about the leotard all the time during class and it shouldn’t be distracting you while dancing.
I hope you found this guide helpful and happy leotard shopping!
-Ruby xoxox
]]>The most valuable items I carry, is a lacrosse ball and a foam roller. I definitely recommend keeping these items handy to roll out your tight muscles before and after class. This keeps your muscles from getting tight, sore and keeps you flexible.
Another favorite item I like to keep are my Dance Booties which are actually my life! They help keep my feet warm and ready for rehearsals, classes etc. Dance Booties are insulated, fluffy shoes that look kind of silly but are awesome. Think of them as a ski jacket for your feet! As dancer’s we need to keep our feet and ankle muscles warm while we are waiting to perform or rehearse so that we don’t hurt ourselves and pull muscles.
Thera-Band talk. Thera-Bands are an AMAZING and basic essential to have with you to strengthen your feet, ankles, and arches. They also help in warming your feet up before class and also make them more flexible. Every dancer wants to have beautiful banana feet that just bend and bend and bend, but they also need to be strong. Thera-Bands will help in strengthening your feet. The Thera-Band is a small resistance band that can fit in your pocket and is easy to take on the go. There are different levels of resistance strengths available for different levels of dancers.
Did someone say Water? This one is the most obvious, but always keep healthy snacks and water in your dance bag. Water is so very important to keep us hydrated so that we can dance at our best. A nutrient bar, or fruit is always good to have as well, most especially if we are running to the studio after school and are short on time and cannot have a meal. This will give you the energy you need to have a good class.
Finally, a must is the perfect black leotard. I always carry an extra black leotard with me. It’s like what fashion enthusiasts refer to as “The Little Black Dress,” a must have to every wardrobe. The same goes for the “Black Leotard.” We all need a good, black leotard that compliments our body type and makes us look like a million dollars.
I wish all of you happy dancing and much love!!!
Eden Isabella
The Dallas Conservatory, Age 14
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